Tuesday, 29 April 2014

“Our thoughts and sympathies are with Ann’s family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.
“Ann was an amazing inspirational teacher and a pillar of the local community, and a real asset to the city of Leeds.
“Our concern since the incident yesterday has been the welfare of everybody in the school community, and we’re here offering all the support that is necessary for as long as necessary in response to a tragic, isolated incident.
“Corpus Christi Catholic College is a wonderfully strong and caring school. The sense of community is tangible and very apparent as you enter the building, which is clear evidence that it was the right decision to keep the school open.
“I personally have witnessed how well staff, students and partners coped with such an unprecedented and difficult situation, the whole community has come together to continue to support one another.”

Martin Dowling, chair of the governing body at Corpus Christi Catholic College, said:“Ann was a wonderful and dedicated teacher and will be remembered fondly by all of us. She had taught at Corpus Christi for 40 years, and touched the lives of many people in the local community, having also taught the parents of some of our current pupils.
“I would also like to pay tribute to the staff and students for the way they have coped with this tragic event, and to the police and external services for their support.
“This has been a shocking but isolated incident, and we want to reassure everyone connected with the school that specialist support is being provided for pupils and colleagues alike.
“Our school mission statement states that we work, learn, pray and grow together. At this difficult time we also grieve and support together as a community.”

Corpus Christi Catholic College headteacher, Steve Mort, said:

“Our whole school community remains in shock today.
“Ann Maguire was a long serving, highly regarded and much loved member of staff, and our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time.
“She will be sadly missed by colleagues, current and former pupils, and the community as a whole.
“Our school is open today, and we have specialist support available for students and staff if they feel that they need it, which will continue for as long as required.
“This has been a shocking but isolated incident, and we are helping the police as they continue with their investigations.”

Jane Held, Chair of the Leeds Safeguarding Children Board said:
"Our deepest sympathies are with all those affected by this tragic event at this most difficult of times.
"We are now in the process of conducting our own enquiries as we are required to do, and will work alongside the police. school and other partners to establish whether there is a need to conduct a serious case review.
"We recognise that this was an isolated incident at an otherwise peaceful and productive school, which is focused on ensuring their pupils are well rounded and responsible young people."